Leading with Compassion: Dr. Paul Lee and the Heart of Casa’s Dental Program

It’s hard to imagine a Thursday night at Casa without Dr. Paul Lee.

A Houston native with an impressive dental pedigree and a heart for service, Dr. Lee has become a steady presence in Casa El Buen Samaritano’s clinic, quietly restoring smiles, confidence, and health. He joined Casa as Dental Director just as the Missouri City clinic took shape. Although the dream of dental care had existed since Casa’s earliest days, the original trailer-based clinic couldn’t support the weight or infrastructure required for a dental suite. With donated equipment and a shared vision, Dr. Lee helped realize that dream.

Dr. Lee holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and earned his doctorate from the prestigious NYU College of Dentistry. He completed his residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey before returning home to Houston with a commitment to excellence and community care. Today, he balances his time between Casa and his private practice, Smiles By Paul Lee, where patients receive the same thoughtful, high-quality care that defines his work in the clinic.

“People don’t always realize it, but dental care is a privilege,” Dr. Lee said. “Providing that privilege, especially to those who’ve gone without, is amazing.”

Casa’s dental program has continued to grow under Dr. Lee’s guidance. In 2024, the clinic acquired a high-tech dental scanner, allowing items like crowns and dentures to be custom-printed using 3D technology at Dr. Lee’s office. This innovation will significantly reduce lab costs and help patients receive care more quickly and efficiently. Dr. Lee actively encourages volunteers and students to train with the scanner and other advanced tools, calling it a rare opportunity to serve while gaining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art dental technology.

Currently, Casa’s dental clinic operates three Thursday evenings each month, with the goal of expanding to four as volunteer support increases. New daytime dental clinics have also launched this year, opening even more opportunities to reach patients who cannot attend evening appointments.

As Dental Director, Dr. Lee oversees workflows, quality assurance, and clinic operations, all of which aim to increase access and ensure that every patient receives care that meets the highest standards. But for Dr. Lee, the heart of the work is spiritual.

“Casa is about Jesus. Healing. Helping others smile, eat, or speak again, just like Jesus healed the blind.”

This National Dental Care Month, Casa honors Dr. Paul Lee for his skill, humility, and unwavering dedication. Every restored smile reflects Christ’s love and healing, and thanks to Dr. Lee, more patients are experiencing that restoration every week.

Interested in getting involved?

Whether you're a dental professional, a student eager to learn, or someone who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you in Casa’s dental program. Sign up to volunteer or spread the word to someone who might be called to serve. Your hands could help heal a smile—and so much more.